I could easily shoot a whole wedding with just these 2 lenses preferably on 2 bodies though

... which leaves me in awe again because it contradicts the eternal knowledge that you can hardly shoot a wedding w/o 70-200/2.8 - and you didn't even include the "standard" 24-70 in your list. Obviously there are two categories of wedding shooters (or weddings), or am I missing something here?

I'd personally expect that unless you shoot in St. Paul's cathedral or the priest hates you and you have to shoot from the back row the tele range is not that essential? And w/o an uwa there could be the problem you cannot shoot 50 people in front of you on the church steps when you stand with your back to a busy street (which is often the case for city churches, at least in Berlin).

Zlatko

If you are going to shoot outdoor portraits or weddings, I would not go for a 70-200mm without IS. We also got the 70-200 f/4 IS, but it is mainly a backup lens now. If you plan to go on to shoot weddings (engagement shoots are an obvious gateway drug to weddings) rather invest in the IS version.

I agree, for weddings definitely invest in the IS version. The version without IS is much less useful indoors -- you really have to be steady or use a monopod/tripod. The 70-200 f/4 IS is a good choice too. With the great high ISO ability of the 5DIII, the f/4 lens can now be used in many indoor locations where previously the f/2.8 lens would have been required.

ryllz75

I DID end up buying the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II this weekend when I went to L.A. for a shoot. I came across an Ad by Samy's and they had an awesome NO TAX sale the whole weekend. Additionally, I negotiated a better price on top of it! got it for well under my $2200 budget which gave me more than enough left for a new Lowepro 180 AW Messenger bag ! :-)

Bottomline, I love this lens and the images from it are stellar! Again thanks for all the recommendations!

thank you so much for sharing your opinions! Truly appreciated it..I DID end up buying the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II this weekend...

I've come in late on this thread but would like to validate your decision to go with the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II. For a spectacularly high percentage of Canon shooters, this is THE lens that you'd never be without. For the sort of work you have described, this lens will probably stay bolted onto one of your bodies close to full-time.

thank you so much for sharing your opinions! Truly appreciated it..I DID end up buying the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II this weekend...

I've come in late on this thread but would like to validate your decision to go with the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II. For a spectacularly high percentage of Canon shooters, this is THE lens that you'd never be without. For the sort of work you have described, this lens will probably stay bolted onto one of your bodies close to full-time.